Assistant​/Associate Professor in Analytical Geochemistry

Overview

The Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences, University of Tennessee, Knoxville (UTK) invites applications for a faculty position in Analytical Geochemistry. The position is a full-time, tenure-line appointment at the Assistant or Associate Professor level that will preferably begin on 1 August 2026.

The selected candidate will:

• develop a highly published and externally funded research program in analytical geochemistry, including isotopes and trace elements, with supervision of undergraduate and graduate students and laboratory technical staff;
• provide primary oversight of a newly established ICP-MS laboratory facility, which includes new multi-collector and quadrupole ICP-MS instruments (Thermo Fisher Neoma and iCAP TQ) and a laser ablation system (ESI NWR
  193) housed in the Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences;
• perform rank-appropriate departmental and university service;
• teach introductory courses as well as undergraduate and graduate courses in the candidate’s specialization;
• contribute to the department’s and university’s strengths in areas such as planetary geoscience, cosmochemistry, igneous petrology, structural geology, economic geology, earth history, environmental science, and hydrology.

Required:

• Applicants must hold a Ph.D. (or equivalent) degree in geoscience or a related discipline by the time of appointment;
• Candidates for Associate Professor must have a background consistent with tenure in EEPS;
• The successful candidate must have a record of publications in geochemistry and the capability to run and maintain multi-collector and quadrupole ICP-MS instruments, a laser-ablation system, and a laboratory that generates precise geochemical and isotopic data.

Preferred:

• Record of achievement or potential for excellence commensurate with the rank (Assistant vs. Associate Professor); post-Ph.D. research experience is beneficial;
• Research themes centered on isotopic geochemistry and/or analytical geochemistry (mass spectrometry); achievement assessed by publication productivity, presentations, and success generating competitive support (grants, fellowships, contracts);;
• For Assistant Professor: potential for success in these areas; for Associate Professor: established record of peer-reviewed publication and competitive funding;
• Excellence in teaching demonstrated through prior formal or informal teaching and outreach; successful mentoring of students and experience as an instructor of record; participation in service roles;
• Preference given to candidates with experience operating the established ICP-MS instruments and/or managing a geochemistry analytical facility.

UTK is a land-grant university that values engaged forms of research/scholarship/creative activity, teaching, and service. Knoxville is in the foothills of the Smoky and Blue Ridge mountains and offers abundant natural teaching laboratories and recreation destinations, with a blend of urban and rural living settings.

To apply, please submit: (1) cover letter articulating the applicant’s interest in and qualifications for this position, (2) full curriculum vitae, (3) no more than two-page statement describing research experience, interests, and plans, (4) no more than two-page statement describing teaching experience, interests, and plans, and (5) names and contact information for at least three professional references via  In addition to addressing qualifications for the position, candidates may describe how they would help promote students’ access to and engagement in their teaching and research/scholarship/creative activities.

Formal review of Applications will begin on March 2, 2026 and remain open until filled. Questions about the position should be directed to Dr. Molly McCanta (mmccanta).

Equal Employment Opportunity Statement:
All qualified applicants will receive equal consideration for employment and admission without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, sex, pregnancy, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, and…